Street Food in Dubai: Your Quick Guide to the Best Bites

Dubai isn’t just about skyscrapers and fancy restaurants. The real flavor lives on the streets, where you can grab a tasty snack for a few dirhams. This guide shows you where to go, what to order, and how much to expect to pay.

Where to Hunt for Street Food

Start at Al Dhiyafah Road. The night market pops up after sunset and offers everything from grilled kebabs to sweet churros. Another hotspot is Al Satwa. Walk down Al Wasl Road and you’ll see food trucks serving shawarma, falafel, and fresh juices. If you’re near the waterfront, the Dubai Marina Walk has stalls with Indian samosas and Persian kebabs – perfect for a quick bite while watching the yachts.

For a more local vibe, head to Deira’s Al Rigga Souk. The alleyways hide small stalls selling luqaimat (sweet dumplings) and spicy chicken wings. Prices stay low because the vendors are family‑run and the turnover is high. You’ll also find a cluster of stalls in Karama offering Indian‑style thalis and Filipino barbecue. The area is safe, busy, and easy to navigate on foot.

Must‑Try Dishes and What to Pay

Don’t leave Dubai without trying shawarma. A single roll with meat, veggies, and sauce costs about 12 AED. If you like something crunchy, order falafel – a plate of three pieces is roughly 8 AED and comes with tahini dip.

For sweet cravings, grab a serving of luqaimat. These deep‑fried balls are drizzled with date syrup and cost around 5 AED per piece. Another cheap treat is the egg waffle from Chinese stalls – think of it as a light, airy pancake for 7 AED.

If you have a bit more cash, try a mixed grill platter in Al Satwa. You’ll get kebabs, chicken, and minced meat for about 30 AED. It’s a good way to sample several flavors without blowing your budget.

To keep things safe, always check that the food is cooked in front of you and that the stall looks clean. Carry some hand sanitizer and avoid raw salads if you’re unsure about hygiene. Most vendors accept cash only, so have a few dirhams ready.

That’s it – the street food map of Dubai in a nutshell. Walk, eat, and enjoy the city’s real taste without spending a fortune.